Ricci's was not the only big play this season for the Yale defense, an inconsistent force this season.

In its 28-7 loss against Princeton, the defense caused four fumbles, two interceptions and, in general, kept the game from getting out of hand.

Also, in Yale's two wins against Holy Cross and Columbia, the Bulldog defense disabled the opposing quarterback during the course of the game. Holy Cross' quarterback Andy Fitzpatrick left the contest with a leg injury in the third quarter as Yale came from behind to win 31-27. The Lions' signal caller Chad Andrezejewski was forced out of the game before the half, and Yale captured that game 35-28.

Yale's defensive line provides nearly all of the pass rush for the Elis. In fact, of the 16 sacks racked up by the Bulldog defense, 14 were by members of the defensive line, led by junior defensive tackle John Lykouretzos.

On the whole, what the Elis lack--on both offense and defense--is consistency. Their big-play defense, which gives up an average of 29.1 points a game, has not made the big play consistently enough to keep opposing teams out of the end-zone. Their air-attack also has not soared consistently, producing many three-and-out series and registering a low 37.5 third-down efficiency mark.

Still, this is The Game, and the season's deficiencies will dissolve into the sea of football history if the Bulldogs produce a victory this weekend. And with impact players at quarterback and split-end, as well as a talented and highly-touted Bulldog at linebacker, the possibility of erasing a season of disappointments is very real.